Tourism in Qatar is expected to experience a renewed surge in the second half of this year, coinciding with a series of offers, programs, and entertainment events launched by relevant authorities to attract more tourists from both within and outside Qatar.
Data from Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) shows that the number of visitors arriving in Qatar during the first quarter of 2026 reached 1.13 million, distributed as follows: 646,000 visitors in January, 423,000 in February, and 63,000 in March.
Tourism experts predicted that the coming period will witness an increase in tourist flows to the country, coinciding with the current summer holiday period, which is expected to see a greater presence of citizens and residents, due to the package of programs and events launched by "Qatar Tourism". They pointed out that the State of Qatar has become an ideal tourist destination in recent years, and one of the preferred destinations for visitors and those looking for diversity and experiences that blend the past with the present and the future.
In statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), they indicated that the Qatari tourism sector is anticipating a strong recovery in inbound tourism to Qatar, coinciding with the start of the current summer holiday season. They noted that some are planning to travel abroad, while others are focusing on selecting tourist destinations such as beaches, resorts, nature reserves, and archaeological sites within Qatar to enjoy their summer vacation with their families. They pointed out that high ticket and hotel prices and regional tensions have prompted many families to reconsider their summer vacation options by focusing on the domestic market and taking advantage of the diversity of the local tourism product.
In this context, tourism expert Ahmed Hussein predicted a strong recovery in tourism during the second half of this year, noting that indicators suggest a decrease in tensions in the region, in addition to Qatar Tourism's efforts to diversify the local tourism product. He pointed out that the current summer holiday season seems different for citizens, residents, and visitors to Qatar, as the high prices of travel tickets and the geopolitical tensions in the region have prompted many families to rearrange their tourism options by focusing on domestic tourism for several reasons; most notably, the cost is more than 50 percent lower compared to abroad, as the local tourist does not need travel tickets, and hotel prices locally are lower compared to international destinations, in addition to the package of entertainment events offered by Qatar Tourism, especially those suitable for families and children.
Visit Qatar launched its annual summer campaign, "Hello Summer," last April. The campaign aims to offer an exceptional summer season packed with events and entertainment experiences across the country, running from May until the end of September. The company noted that the campaign seeks to break the prevailing stereotype of summer in Qatar, revealing a different side of the country rich in exceptional experiences, world-class events, and diverse activities.
Which meets the aspirations of all segments of visitors, from families and friends to adventure lovers.
The summer season of 2026 includes a rich calendar of entertainment, cultural and sporting events, including the "Qatar Games Festival", major concerts and more entertainment activities and events spread across a number of the country's most prominent shopping malls, and a selection of luxury hotels and resorts participate in providing exceptional experiences, in addition to theme parks and water parks that provide fun moments for all family members.
Ahmed Hussein, in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), predicted an increase in tourist arrivals from both inside and outside Qatar in the coming period. He noted that Qatar's beaches and coastlines are among the most prominent destinations combining relaxation and entertainment, and that tourists will take advantage of promotional offers and discounts of up to 50 percent at local hotels this summer. Some hotels are even offering
free admission for children, which will encourage tourists and visitors to choose Qatar, given the benefits and lower prices. Qatar boasts a diverse range of public and private beaches to suit various preferences, from open natural beaches to carefully designed integrated beach destinations offering exceptional experiences. There are more than 10 beaches available, each offering a unique experience.
For his part, tourism expert Ayman Al-Qudwa confirmed that Doha has established itself as the capital of Gulf tourism with distinction during this year, becoming the first choice for citizens, residents and international visitors, especially brothers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, thanks to an integrated tourism system that combines ease of access, diversity of tourism products and advanced infrastructure. Therefore, domestic tourism is the biggest winner in 2026.
He added that thousands of citizens and residents are planning to spend the summer vacation, which coincides with the end of the school year, as the vacation during the summer period is an opportunity for families to relax, rest and regain energy away from the routine of work and study. While some plan to spend the vacation abroad and arrange the necessary financing for that, whether through savings or borrowing, which increases the financial burden on families, domestic tourism stands out as a suitable option for others due to the low cost and the diversity and wide range of local facilities.
Al-Qudwa explained to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar's success is based on the concept of a "tourism square," which begins with Hamad International Airport, connecting Doha to more than 190 global destinations and hosting operations for over 35 international airlines. He also highlighted the pivotal role of Qatar Airways in boosting tourism through its network of over 160 destinations and more than 140 daily flights, thus enhancing inbound tourism.
Al-Qudwa emphasized that Qatar today offers a comprehensive tourism model that combines entertainment, hospitality, and economic value, making it the ideal choice for citizens, residents, and international visitors. He added that domestic tourism is therefore the most economically viable and safest option for families, which suggests a potential recovery in tourism during the second half of this year.
Qatar Tourism has recently developed new tourist areas outside Doha, to provide additional options for tourists seeking peace and quiet with all the activities that meet their needs, in addition to the availability of nature reserves, archaeological castles, a chain of international resorts and hotels, public gardens, parks, famous restaurants, traditional markets and major shopping malls, as well as having the status of one of the safest tourist destinations in the world.
According to the National Planning Council’s data for 2023, there were about 167 cinemas in Qatar with a total of 38,210 seats, showing more than 5,497 films (4,926 foreign films and 571 Arabic films), while the number of visitors to museums and exhibitions during the same year reached about 1,090,445 visitors.
According to the council’s data during the same period, the number of hotels and hotel apartments in 2023 reached about 189 hotels and hotel apartments, with a number of rooms of 46,806 rooms, and a number of beds of 68,495 beds. The number of guests recorded a level of 6,667,727 guests, and the number of hotel nights reached a level of 15,679,283 hotel nights.
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